The wrestling world often operates on plans that shift and change, and Drew McIntyre is well-acquainted with that reality. Even as a highly anticipated singles match between McIntyre and John Cena never materialized during Cena’s 2025 farewell tour, the Undisputed WWE Champion says he’s ultimately content with how things unfolded. The story behind the scrapped match, and McIntyre’s perspective on it, highlights the dynamic nature of professional wrestling and the ability to adapt even when desired opportunities slip away. This match between the two stars, alongside Cody Rhodes and Logan Paul, offered fans a taste of what could have been.
Cena’s 2025 schedule included encounters with many of WWE’s biggest names as he navigated a series of matches billed as a retirement tour. Fans had hoped for a one-on-one showdown with McIntyre, a clash of styles and generations. Original plans, as Cena revealed, did call for a first-ever singles bout between the two at Crown Jewel 2025 in Perth, Australia. However, WWE ultimately decided to book Cena against his long-time rival, AJ Styles, a decision that led to a critically acclaimed match. McIntyre recently discussed the change in plans and his desire to test his skills on the microphone against Cena during an interview with Shakiel Mahjouri of SHAK Wrestling.
A Missed Opportunity for a Verbal Duel
McIntyre admitted he had been actively seeking an opportunity to share a segment with Cena, believing it would be a chance to showcase his own abilities as a talker. “I can’t change the creative direction,” McIntyre said. “I talked about getting that match with Cena and get in a situation on the microphone with Cena, just to prove what I’m capable of since I want to compete with the best and he is, or was, the best on the microphone.” He acknowledged hearing Cena’s account of the situation and understood the decision to pivot, ultimately recognizing the success of the Cena-Styles match.
The shift in plans didn’t diminish McIntyre’s respect for Cena or his own ambition. He reflected on the “what ifs,” wondering if a simple social media mention from Cena might have altered the course of events. However, McIntyre quickly reframed the situation, focusing on his own accomplishments. “The reality is, he’s retired and I’m world champion, so I think it worked out just fine for Drew McIntyre,” he stated. The current Undisputed WWE Champion has continued to build on his success, capturing the title from Cody Rhodes in a grueling Three Stages of Hell match.
Cena and Styles Deliver at Crown Jewel
The match between John Cena and AJ Styles at Crown Jewel 2025 was widely praised as one of the best WWE contests of the year. The bout served as a celebration of both men’s careers, incorporating nods to their past opponents and memorable moments. Cena emerged victorious, securing his 100th win on a premium live event with a Tombstone Piledriver followed by an Attitude Adjustment. Footage of Cena and Rhodes facing McIntyre and Paul demonstrates the dynamic that fans hoped to notice extended into a singles match.
Looking Ahead to WrestleMania 42
Despite missing out on the singles clash with Cena, McIntyre has remained a dominant force in WWE. He is now preparing to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas against the winner of this Saturday’s men’s Elimination Chamber match. This upcoming match represents another significant opportunity for McIntyre to solidify his position as one of the top stars in the industry. Meanwhile, John Cena has officially moved into the next phase of his career, following his final match against GUNTHER at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December.
Drew McIntyre’s ability to view a missed opportunity with a sense of perspective and focus on his own achievements speaks to his resilience and determination. While a match with John Cena may not have happened as initially planned, McIntyre has continued to reach recent heights in his career, proving that sometimes, even when plans change, the outcome can be remarkably positive. The wrestling landscape is ever-evolving, and McIntyre’s story serves as a reminder that adaptability and a relentless pursuit of excellence are key to success in the squared circle.
Fans can glance forward to seeing McIntyre defend his title at WrestleMania 42, with the outcome of this Saturday’s Elimination Chamber match determining his opponent. The road to WrestleMania promises to be filled with intense competition and compelling storylines, as WWE continues to deliver world-class entertainment to its global audience.
What do you think about Drew McIntyre’s perspective on the scrapped match with John Cena? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow wrestling fans!
